What would you do? Road Runner Shop Negligence

[Bearse]

I took my 1974 Road Runner (survivor car) into the shop to replace weatherstripping around the doors and side windows and to have the steering wheel switched out as the original is broken (I’m keeping it). After picking up my vehicle and getting it home, I discovered that:

• Two pieces of the lower dash by the glove compartment were removed and has since vanished.
• The rear package tray by the rear window was broken
• The felts put into the doors to protect the glass when putting the windows down and up was installed backwards (both sides)
• The steering wheel was put on the wrong clocking, putting it off symmetry by about 80 degrees.
• Seat belt covers were pulled up off the floor to expose the bolt
• Factory screws were taken out of the headliner trim and were rolling around on the floor.

I cancelled the check and I’m considering my options. We have strong consumer protections in my state. The shop is expecting full payment and wants me to bring it back so they can replace the rear tray package. What would you do?

 

[torredcuda]

Obviously do not bring it back to that shop EVER! It`s up to you if it`s worth your time and effort to take them to small claims court. Me - I would consider it a loss and move on but bad mouth that shop every time I could for decades (Jim`s Auto Parts and Hagerty are my two). I see you are down on the Cape, there are some reputable shops in the New England area but might be a bit far for you.

 

[SomeCarGuy]

Unfortunately, they will be able to put a lien on your car since they are a “legit” business. I’m not sure if you can move to block it in small claims. Be worth looking into.

At this point they’ve proven themselves unable to work on a classic. I’m not understanding why some of that stuff would be touched for the work described. Sounds more like vandalism by loser employees upset by others nice things or drug heads work there.

You might look into getting a good shop recommendation from locals and have them at least report what is needed to bring the car back up to snuff. Would be useful in court.

You can be diplomatic and explain this is a mess and the car is worth substantially more than just any old restored car. If the owner has any shred of decency, he’ll wave the bill. I can’t imagine letting them have it back and I’d explain why. Only way I’d let them touch it is for me to be there watching. They’ll hide behind some insurance bs and say you can’t. The owner should do it after hours himself or come to your home and do it.

I’ve found people that shouldn’t be in business get rewarded for some reason. I only hope you can avoid a nasty lien fight. Court is never a good option.

The shop that messed up a bunch of work on my car for the last owner has thrived to the point they now have started their own concours competition. I can only SMH.